Braver Angels is leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic. Reclaiming Civility is spearheading a movement to inspire people to understand and cultivate a disposition of civility and develop it through practical skills. Together, we're offering you a free series of civil discourse skills workshops and unique community debates this summer in Colorado Springs.
Join us! Be part of something meaningful - explore our upcoming events below and reserve your spots today. Scroll down for details on our July 26 and August 16 programs, and sign up to help be a part of creating a more civil and united community!
July 19, 10:00 a.m.—noon
Skills for Disagreeing Better Workshop
Hosted by Reclaiming Civility at
The Brandt Barn, Colorado Springs
In this polarized time, we lack basic understanding of why people on the other political side hold their beliefs. We don’t see them as they see themselves–their core values and central concerns–but instead as we choose to see them. We are tempted to regard our own side as principled and the other side as self-interested.
When we try to communicate across this gap, we often lack the skills for listening carefully, looking for common ground, and sharing our perspectives in ways that connect rather than create more misunderstanding.
We can learn to disagree better in polarized times, which means accurately seeing where we differ and where we share common ground.
Goals
More understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from you politically
Better skills for listening in a way so that the other person feels heard
Better skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear -- even if they disagree
Stay for lunch, then participate in the afternoon community debate!
Hosted by Reclaiming Civility at
The Brandt Barn, Colorado Springs
Resolved: Colorado’s gun control laws unfairly infringe on personal freedoms.
In light of recent Colorado legislation imposing new restrictions on firearm purchases, ownership, and use, we invite gun safety advocates to share their perspectives on the increased security and public safety these measures are intended to provide. At the same time, we welcome responsible gun owners and Second Amendment supporters to express their views on how these laws may infringe upon individual rights and personal freedoms. Your voice is important-come engage in a thoughtful, balanced discussion where all perspectives are valued.
We are actively seeking speakers in support of, and opposed to, the resolution. If you're interested in speaking, simply indicate that when you register. We will contact you to discuss the process.
The goal of our community debates is not to win or even to change minds. Our debates are about listening, sharing, and discussing different perspectives on complex issues. By hearing each other’s stories and insights, we gain deeper understanding into the topics and the people behind the views, even if we disagree.
Fox21 Interview: "Braver Angels tackles political divides with local workshops"
Mandy Connell (KOA): "I leave the country for 5 minutes and all hell breaks loose"
Colorado Gazette: Colorado Springs company works with Braver Angels to promote civility through training, debates
"Crossing the Continental Divide" Ambassador Event
Colorado Springs, East Library
Join us for a free, in-person one-hour event—Crossing the Continental Divide—designed for community leaders seeking practical tools to bridge the political divide and foster civil dialogue, co-hosted by the Colorado Southern Front Range Alliance of Braver Angels and Reclaiming Civility. Gain actionable strategies to lead more constructive conversations across differences in your organizations and communities. This event is intended for civic leaders, including such as elected officials, political and faith leaders, educators, charity officials, and those who lead parent and community organizations eager to strengthen relationships and depolarize our local civic life.
Hosted by Reclaiming Civility at
The Brandt Barn, Colorado Springs
Join us for a new workshop focused specifically on skills development, regardless of political orientation. Unlike other Braver Angels workshops, we don't ask if you lean Red or Blue. That's because this workshop was developed in schools and focuses on skills acquisition rather than political preferences. (It is also suitable for students as well as adults.)
In the two hours you spend with us, you will learn practical skills for how to listen, acknowledge and respond when having a difficult conversation.
Goals
Become more aware of our inner polarizer and ways to counteract it.
Practice skills to critique issues and perspectives productively
Practice skills for intervening in polarizing conversations
Stay for lunch, then participate in the afternoon community debate!
Hosted by Reclaiming Civility at
The Brandt Barn, Colorado Springs
Resolved: The First Amendment correctly prioritizes freedom of religion over freedom from religion.
Recent news in Colorado highlights ongoing legal and legislative battles over religious freedom, especially as Christian organizations challenge state policies on gender identity and anti-discrimination. Courts have sometimes sided with religious groups, while other issues-like the ban on conversion therapy-are heading to the Supreme Court. These developments reflect Colorado’s central role in the national debate over the balance between religious expression and state regulations.
If political discussions have caused strife in your family, this Braver Angels debate is for you. The goal of our community debates is not to win or even to change minds. Our debates are about listening, sharing, and discussing different perspectives on complex issues. By hearing each other’s stories and insights, we gain deeper understanding into the topics and the people behind the views, even if we disagree.
"The most exciting part of our civil discussions and debates was meeting and talking to conservatives. Some were even session organizers. Yes, these conservatives had strong feelings about deportation, which were very different from mine. They didn't stake out their positions and get into verbal jousts about who was "right." They were frustrated that some progressives shut down discussion when they offered their personal views. It made me think about how my fellow progressives and I also claim our territory.
I want to have these conversations where we listen and learn about each other's views, not to reach some kumbaya moment, but to focus on what matters to each of us, so we can make better decisions and change."